Matthew Oliver Nelson, III

Matthew Oliver Nelson III passed away on Monday, February 2nd, 2026, at his residence in Danville, VA. He was born on March 16th, 1936, in Wilmington, NC, a son of the late Matthew Oliver Nelson Jr. and Neresa Nelson.

Matthew graduated high school in Whiteville, North Carolina, where he participated in band as a drum major. Following his high school graduation, he honorably served in the United States Navy. After his military service, Matthew pursued higher education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI), where he was later recognized with an outstanding alumni award. During his time at VPI, he ran an ice cream truck known as Snowball Pete and operated Matt's Pizza. He was a true entrepreneur at heart. He furthered his education by earning a master's degree in education from the University of Virginia in 1969.

During his tenure at Langston High School , Matthew was the first white teacher to integrate with an African American school in Danville, Virginia. Matthew then dedicated 33 years of his life teaching at George Washington High School. He was an avid supporter of their sports programs, filming football games and keeping books for basketball games. He also served as president of the FBLA, he was able to place many of his students in jobs throughout the community, many of which last to the present day. Matthew also started Piedmont Educational Employee Credit Union in the basement of his home. That venture grew in strides and eventually became Valley Star Credit Union.

Matthew was a member of the Danville Exchange Club, as well as the Improved Order of the Red Men, where he served as secretary. He was a member of Riveroak Church of God, where he started God's Stew House and enjoyed teaching Sunday school classes. In his free time, Matthew loved to play golf with his friends. He will always be remembered for his love of God, his family and his friends. He never met a stranger and led with a servant's heart.

Matthew is survived by his wife, Virginia Nelson; his son, Matthew Nelson IV; his daughter, Lynn Wood and her husband Roger; his grandchildren, Devin Wood, Kolton Nelson, and Haley Wood; and his great-grandchild, Ryan Wood.

In addition to his parents, Matthew was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Nancy Calvert Nelson, and his half-brothers, Bobby and Billy Evans.

A memorial service will be held at Townes Funeral Home Chapel in Danville, VA, on Thursday, February 5th, 2026, at 12:00 pm. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. The family will also receive friends at the home of his daughter on Wednesday and again, Thursday immediately following the service at 145 Beaverbrook Court, Danville, VA 24541

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to God's Pit Crew.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Roman Eagle’s Rehabilitation Unit and his dedicated sitters, Martha, Annie, and Agnes. Their dedication, exceptional care, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that he could remain comfortably at home.

Finally, thank you to Townes Funeral Home at 215 West Main St., Danville, VA, 434-793-1211, for supporting us during this most difficult time.